Victoria Beckham pays tribute to designer Azzedine Alaïa

Azzedine Alaïa has ‘peacefully’ passed away aged 77, according to reports.

According to French publication Le Point, the Tunisian-born fashion designer passed away in hospital while in a coma on Saturday. 

News of his death saw an outpour of tributes from fashion’s elite, as they came together to remember the much-loved star including former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, who described Alaïa as a ‘true master’. 

In mourning: News of his death saw an outpour of tributes from fashion’s elite, including former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, who described Alaïa as a ‘true master

Taking to social media, Victoria shared a black and white image of the designer and penned alongside it: ‘A sad day. Rest in peace #azzedinealaia….You were a true master and one of my biggest inspirations.’

She wasn’t the only famous face to pay her respects, as Kourtney Kardashian shared a photo of herself and sister Kim with Azzedine on Instagram, as she said: ‘It was such a honor to have spent the day with you, eat the delicious lunch you cooked for us, have you actually fit us for the night. 

‘Kim and I said to each other “pinch me, we’re dreaming.” Rest In Peace kind legend, Azzedine Alaia.’

Celebrity favourite: Kourtney Kardashian shared a photo of herself and sister Kim with Azzedine on Instagram

Forever a legend: Kim Kardashian was also a close friend of Azzedine [pictured leaving Paris’ Modern Art Museum in 2014]

He has worked with a slew of stars including Naomi Campbell, Madonna and Lady Gaga, a close friend of his, with Azzedine designing her Oscar 2015 look for the singer.

Appearing to confirm his death, a close friend of the designer had told WWD Azzedine had died from heart failure, but ‘peacefully and without suffering’. He had reportedly suffered a fall 10 days prior.

MailOnline have contacted a representative for the Alaïa brand.

Lady in red: Rihanna dazzled in one of Azzedine’s designs at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards in 2013

Celebrated: He has worked with a slew of stars including the forever eccentrically clad Lady Gaga  

Before embarking on his trailblazing career in the fashion industry, Azzedine – who was born to wheat farmers – trained as a sculptor in his native Tunisia. 

In the late 1950s, when he was still in his teens, he made the bold decision to uproot and move to Paris, where he worked for Christian Dior.

However, his term at Dior was brief as he was dismissed for having incorrect immigration papers.

Famous clientele: Fashion designer Victoria has frequently been pictured wearing Azzedine’s designs [above she wears a skirt from his collection in 2009]

He was soon snapped up by Guy Laroche, where he spent two seasons before branching off and starting as an independent couturier. 

In 1980, he produced his first ready-to-wear collection, though unlike most designers who stick to seasonal calendars, Azzedine marched to the beat of his drum, once declaring: ‘When the collection is ready, it’s ready.’ 

The designer had a flurry of fashion mavericks rejoicing in July when he unveiled a surprise couture collection, which had modelling icon Naomi Campbell return to the runway. 

Azzedine convinced Naomi Campbell to make a rare return to runway in July when he unveiled a surprise couture collection

Fashion’s biggest figures: Victoria’s Secret model Karlie Kloss also modelled the collection